VanVleet stars again as Toronto rally to take Game 2 against Brooklyn in the NBA Playoffs

The Toronto Raptors survived a spectacular performance from the Brooklyn Nets to run out with a 104-99 win in Game 2 and take a 2-0 series lead.

Having shot 50 percent from 3-point range in Game 1, the Raptors struggled severely from beyond the arc in Game 2, connecting on just 25.7 percent of their 3-point attempts. Credits to the Brooklyn Net team, though, as right out of the gates, it swarmed Toronto out on the wings and went over screens to pile more pressure on the defending champions to put points on the floor.

Despite that the Nets lost, Brooklyn’s play throughout the game sent a message that this series won’t be a walk in the park for the Raptors.

Toronto relied heavily on Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell offensively, as the two guards scored 24 points apiece, and All-Star guard Kyle Lowry put up another 21 points to secure the win.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luTMONDcn6w

For Brooklyn, Garrett Temple led the way with a 21-point performance as Caris LeVert couldn’t put in another standout performance like he did in Game 1.

They had a chance to send it into overtime when it was down three points with 15 seconds left, however, sloppy Nets passing on their final possession led to a back-breaking turnover that sealed the win for Toronto.

The Raptors’ playoff experience ruled the day eventually as the Nets inexperience was very evident.

The teams return for the third game of the series on Friday night.

Related

• NBA Playoffs: Trail Blazers shock Lakers in Game 1 as Damian Lillard scores 34 points
• Orlando Magic pulls a massive upset in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks

Game leaders

Brooklyn Nets

• Points: Garrett Temple – 21
• Assists: Caris LeVert – 11
• Rebounds: Jarrett Allen – 15

Toronto Raptors

• Points: Fred VanVleet – 24
• Assists: Fred VanVleet – 10
• Rebounds: Kyle Lowry – 9